Description
This classic Vegetarian Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring al dente pasta tubes tossed in a rich, robust tomato basil sauce. Layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory parmesan, this heart-warming Italian-American casserole is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. The secret to its perfect texture is slightly undercooking the pasta and emulsifying the sauce for a moist, indulgent experience that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
1 lb Ziti Pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
24 oz Marinara Sauce
15 oz Ricotta Cheese
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
0.25 cup Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
1 large Egg
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook ziti for two minutes less than package instructions.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot.
Combine the ricotta, half of the parmesan, and the beaten egg in a medium bowl.
Stir the marinara sauce and the ricotta mixture into the pot with the pasta until well coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish.
Top with a portion of the mozzarella, then add the remaining pasta mixture.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan, then bake until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Always use full-fat ricotta for the best creamy texture.
Shred your own mozzarella from a block for superior melting compared to pre-shredded bags.
Add a splash of starchy pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg